Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga has asked Sri Lankan cricketers to put their pride before money and boycott this season's IPL unless they are allowed to play at all venues.

"If you are not welcome in one part of the country then why play in other venues just because of the money," Ranatunga asked.

He was speaking to the Indian Express in response to the IPL governing council's decision to bar Sri Lankan players from playing in Chennai, because of growing political tensions in Tamil Nadu stemming from the treatment of ethnic Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Ranatunga, currently a Member of Parliament for Kalutara district in Sri Lanka, said he believed this decision was nothing more than politics and sport being intertwined, and that cricketers were easy prey because of the fan following and media scrutiny they deal with on a daily basis.

"It won't be easy for players to say no to their pay cheques but at times one has to stand up and say 'no thank you' rather than compromise for the sake of money," he said. "Sri Lankan cricketers are not as well-paid as some of their counterparts and playing in the IPL is a huge attraction but by giving the tournament a skip they make a statement."

He said the decision would be a loss only for the IPL, as the tournament would be without some of the best players from Sri Lanka.

Yep, What ever is happening is what we anticipated. The reins of cricket is in the hands of India and we are all going down with it.

MrTAPAN
on March 29, 2013, 10:45 GMT

YES, I totally agree with Pankaj Kumar. If u cannot take care of security of Srilankan players in Chennai then please shift the matches to some other venue as it has happened in the past but since CSK is Owned by N Srinivasan and he is the president of BCCI he wont do it.
If we (Mumbai Indians) reach Final also we Cannot win IPL 6 without our Fast bowler Malinga.
This Controversy will benefit the CSK as they dont have Srilankan gr6 players.

soumyas
on March 29, 2013, 6:53 GMT

@ Pankaj Kumar. the owner of CSK is the boss of BCCI, So they don't want to loose the cricket matches and also they don't like SL players. had the same issue happened with any other state, BCCI boss wud hav shifted all the matches out of that state to accommodate SL players.

GrindAR
on March 28, 2013, 19:24 GMT

Afterall, it is not India-Srilanka Bilateral series or ICC approved event. Lets help subside this issue and sooner it will be a non-issue.

on March 28, 2013, 19:18 GMT

He should rather announce to give up all his wealth to Srilankan players to boycott IPL.

RGee
on March 28, 2013, 19:14 GMT

i agree with ranatunga...either, SL players should boycott IPL or boycott Chennai...

HLANGL
on March 28, 2013, 17:52 GMT

@"Muthukumar Shanmugavel on (March 28, 2013, 10:54 GMT) ": "In the Five IPL so far, no srilankan players have given any worthy performance for their franchises, except Malinga. " Also except Sanath Jayasuriya in the very first IPL (2008) iif you can remember, where he became the tournament's second highest run getter with 500+ runs at 140+ strike rate. Yes, in all other IPLs, no any Sri Lankan player added any value to the money they were played except Malinga, and may be Dilshan to a lesser extent, well accepted. All Mahela, S'kara were utter failures more often than not.

xylo
on March 28, 2013, 16:54 GMT

I think the answer to Ranatunga's question lies in his question - "If you are not welcome in one part of the country then why play in other venues just because of the money," Given how the home board has been very prompt in paying the players, I am sure that they would heed Ranatunga's advice and boycott the IPL.

on March 28, 2013, 11:08 GMT

Solution is simple. Move all IPL matches from Chennai and ban any team that refuses to play with or against Srilankan players. I am an Indian first& then Tamilian!!

on March 28, 2013, 10:54 GMT

In the Five IPL so far, no srilankan players have given any worthy performance for their franchises, except Malinga. Even with Malinga exceptional bowling, Mumbai Indians could not able to win any of the tournamaent. So why there is a huge cry about not allowing the SL players to play in chennai?

Desihungama
on March 29, 2013, 20:46 GMT

Yep, What ever is happening is what we anticipated. The reins of cricket is in the hands of India and we are all going down with it.

MrTAPAN
on March 29, 2013, 10:45 GMT

YES, I totally agree with Pankaj Kumar. If u cannot take care of security of Srilankan players in Chennai then please shift the matches to some other venue as it has happened in the past but since CSK is Owned by N Srinivasan and he is the president of BCCI he wont do it.
If we (Mumbai Indians) reach Final also we Cannot win IPL 6 without our Fast bowler Malinga.
This Controversy will benefit the CSK as they dont have Srilankan gr6 players.

soumyas
on March 29, 2013, 6:53 GMT

@ Pankaj Kumar. the owner of CSK is the boss of BCCI, So they don't want to loose the cricket matches and also they don't like SL players. had the same issue happened with any other state, BCCI boss wud hav shifted all the matches out of that state to accommodate SL players.

GrindAR
on March 28, 2013, 19:24 GMT

Afterall, it is not India-Srilanka Bilateral series or ICC approved event. Lets help subside this issue and sooner it will be a non-issue.

on March 28, 2013, 19:18 GMT

He should rather announce to give up all his wealth to Srilankan players to boycott IPL.

RGee
on March 28, 2013, 19:14 GMT

i agree with ranatunga...either, SL players should boycott IPL or boycott Chennai...

HLANGL
on March 28, 2013, 17:52 GMT

@"Muthukumar Shanmugavel on (March 28, 2013, 10:54 GMT) ": "In the Five IPL so far, no srilankan players have given any worthy performance for their franchises, except Malinga. " Also except Sanath Jayasuriya in the very first IPL (2008) iif you can remember, where he became the tournament's second highest run getter with 500+ runs at 140+ strike rate. Yes, in all other IPLs, no any Sri Lankan player added any value to the money they were played except Malinga, and may be Dilshan to a lesser extent, well accepted. All Mahela, S'kara were utter failures more often than not.

xylo
on March 28, 2013, 16:54 GMT

I think the answer to Ranatunga's question lies in his question - "If you are not welcome in one part of the country then why play in other venues just because of the money," Given how the home board has been very prompt in paying the players, I am sure that they would heed Ranatunga's advice and boycott the IPL.

on March 28, 2013, 11:08 GMT

Solution is simple. Move all IPL matches from Chennai and ban any team that refuses to play with or against Srilankan players. I am an Indian first& then Tamilian!!

on March 28, 2013, 10:54 GMT

In the Five IPL so far, no srilankan players have given any worthy performance for their franchises, except Malinga. Even with Malinga exceptional bowling, Mumbai Indians could not able to win any of the tournamaent. So why there is a huge cry about not allowing the SL players to play in chennai?

on March 28, 2013, 9:25 GMT

I am an Indian but my sympathies are with Srilankan cricketers. I feel they should should boycott IPL as advised by Arjun Ranatunga. SL has some star players and I am sure IPL will lose at least some of its sheen if they are absent.

I stay and Chennai and am a big fan of CSK and Dhoni but I do not know why the other Franchisees are not objecting to expulsion of SL players in the Chennai matches. Why does the BCCI not shift the Chennai matches to say Trivandum, Cochin, Indore or Ahmedabad.

When we could shift the whole IPlL2 to South Africa due to Union Electrions why did they not simply shift Chennai matches outside this timer ?

The whole affair smacks of politicking and dominance of CSK in the IPL.

vildoc
on March 28, 2013, 8:35 GMT

Well how is it that no other senior retired players from Srilanka have suggested the same. Ranatunga has always had problems with India and the way he was unceremoniusly kicked out by the sports minister from his post for opposing India previously gives credence to his outburst. For people suggesting SL and pak players bring in viewership and money to the IPL, well the ground realities are different. Both the pak and SL boards are almost bankrupt. Its Indian viewership and ad money which runs the IPL.

on March 28, 2013, 8:00 GMT

I feel Lankans would still go for IPL because they would any day weigh money above their pride. IPL is too lucrative

Ludowyke
on March 28, 2013, 7:28 GMT

I am with Mr. Ranatunga. I think the SL players should put country before self.

buddhikapm
on March 28, 2013, 3:49 GMT

well said arjuna..this is what it shd be...

on March 28, 2013, 3:17 GMT

Well Srilankan players might consider ranatungs decision if their own board pays them appropriately.

gsingh7
on March 27, 2013, 23:18 GMT

SLC players are not going to quit IPL(which is the main source of their revenue). If Ranatunga allowed to play in IPL, he would have played under any circumstance for money. Which SLC player is famous in IPL anyway. malinga is used by young indian players to prepare them for future. i never seen single match where kumar or dilshan won the match on their own, even paul valthaty won aroung 4 matches with his top order batting.

on March 27, 2013, 21:14 GMT

I think all nine players will listen to Ranatunga, EXCEPT - Malinga.

on March 27, 2013, 20:51 GMT

i am from pakistan i think arjuna is right boycott ipl 6 or ipl governing board to think to move chennai ipl matches to india another ground they are not criket lover they love money of cricket captain home ground

wake_up_india
on March 27, 2013, 20:24 GMT

SL will be better off playing English County cricket or just parcticing at home. That would be better for their cricketing skills if not their pocket books.

GrindAR
on March 27, 2013, 19:36 GMT

It is a voluntary pull out, than banned... the main concern is security... as I dont see a correlation, but given the unrelated situation misers in politics, who can do some bad behind the scenes... While security is considered, it is the right move from IPL. The arrogant inhuman slaughters from Srilankan Army still stay fresh in many. If it took 3 years for people live inside SL to get into breathing space, from the declaration of end of LTTE. So, it will take some more time, before the same peace flow in TN. Afterall, it was a gorilla fight for nearly 3 decades and seen many ugly and unacceptable scenes in civilized world. It will take some time to even feel the SL politicians trust worthy of behaving like human beings with their own people across all the communal back grounds. Dude.. everybody talk as if nothing happened in the past 30+ years in SL except prospective life... Damages were heavy. To me, TN+India & SL having good relationship is very important for both countries.

Money or pride? No doubt Respect for country is high above money. SL should think about it

BOND_OO7
on March 27, 2013, 19:31 GMT

Let india run ipl with Aus and SA players. They are hot only for IPL but not for the tv viewership or rating. Because most of the ipl viewers are from subcontinent. no SL,no PAK ,No BAN players. Great.

Rahulbose
on March 27, 2013, 19:30 GMT

Yes but sadly there are no Ranatunga's playing today. Current generation will do anything for money.

johnathonjosephs
on March 27, 2013, 19:20 GMT

LOL cricfanCA, you clearly do not watch the IPL. Mahela, Dilshan, Murali, and Malinga are all big players in the IPL. Sangakkara may not have been in the right form in the last 2-3 years but he is still the captain of the Hyderabad squad. Thissara Perera will one day become a valuable player (think that this year may be his breakaway year) and Jeevan Mendis is used for quite a lot of games

rajithwijepura
on March 27, 2013, 18:52 GMT

@cricfaninCA - You dont know anything about Arjuna. He is the one and only world famous sport icon who never appear on single TV advertisement. Let alone IPL. He is a true Srilankan Cricket Hero

CricketFanInCA
on March 27, 2013, 18:44 GMT

@Iranda Niroshan Kumarasiri Yes I agree only for Lasith Malinga. Eventhough Mahela, Sangakkara and Murali are among world best players but they are not hot in IPL.
Ranatunga's comment on this issue is bit more political and will only impact SLC if they pull off from IPL since SLC dont have money to pay the salary. Either you wish or not, BCCI is a better decision maker compared to SLC.

Edassery
on March 27, 2013, 18:04 GMT

I am an Indian but thinking from the Lanka's point of view, Ranatunga is absolutely right. If India selectively reject certain Sri Lankan players, ideally all of them should have boycotted IPL.

@cricfaninCA: When Malinga uproots middle stumps you may have changes of opinions

CricketFanInCA
on March 27, 2013, 16:56 GMT

SLC cannot even pay the salary to their players. So SLC players are not going to quit IPL(which is the main source of their revenue). If Ranatunga allowed to play in IPL, he would have played under any circumstance for money. Which SLC player is famous in IPL anyway. Only WI, SA and AUS players are hot in IPL.

on March 27, 2013, 16:54 GMT

My question to Ranatunga is "why not?" - who cares if one part of the country doesn't want us playing there. If I was the Lankan players my mentality is "My family still needs to eat, so I'll continue getting paid to do what I love doing"

on March 27, 2013, 16:40 GMT

anyways i hope SL players will miss out to play there whether they like it or not..IPL is a huge problem for SL cricket future

on March 27, 2013, 15:48 GMT

I am Agree with Ranatunga....

on March 27, 2013, 15:21 GMT

When BPL can do fine without Indian players, IPL can certainly pack a punch without SL players! check it out once this edition is complete!

iHitWicket
on March 27, 2013, 15:13 GMT

This is again not correct. The situation in India has been caused by some political entities who manage to thrive on such things. Now, SL politicians and cricketers shouldn't add fuel to the fire. If Tamil Nadu is not ready to host SL players (again that sentiment was raised by politicians for their own gain) fine. They can come to other places in India and play there. We Indians love Murali, Jayawardene, Sangakkara, Malinga etc. Let cricket be cricket.

on March 27, 2013, 14:42 GMT

If They Boycott The IPL Tour I Will Be So Happy..............

Supunsha
on March 27, 2013, 14:37 GMT

Totally agree with the legend. It is the country who built the cricketers to this level. So they should keep that in some part of their mind. We should not promote IPL any longer. Even when the peak times of the war SL government could give the safe guard for the players.

ChrisPerera
on March 27, 2013, 14:08 GMT

I totally agree with Arjuna Ranathunga. Money is only one part of your cricket carrier.

ScoreField
on March 27, 2013, 13:53 GMT

Narbavi - you dont know about Arjuna, he always put his country first

IndiaCricFollower
on March 27, 2013, 12:33 GMT

The Cricket Board of SriLanka has to decide whether SL team has to play for IPL or not. Ranatunga's statement could create immense preasure on SL players. Forget about money there is also a pride to play for IPL. This is also an opportunity to SL players to test their value against international players. They should be part of IPL.

KingOwl
on March 27, 2013, 11:35 GMT

I disagree. Arjuna is also a politician now and his priorities are different. As a Sri Lankan, I would say that clearly boycotting is not the solution.

Sarlana
on March 27, 2013, 11:05 GMT

As an Indian, I personally did not like the statement of not allowing Lankans to play in chennai. They would have been made a statement likenot allowing matches for IPL in chennai. They could not criticize only lankans as they are the best in world for cool and commitment. Even if there was an attack on lankan players in pakistan they again played with them in neutral venues.

Ranatunga, once a great player, is now a budding politician. His advise to SL players has all the shades of a politician than of a friend, former colleague and mentor of SL cricketers. Arjuna should remember that it is "Indian" Premier League and should respect the views of the men (and women!) who shoulder the responsibility of being answerable to Indian sensitivities. It was a US-sponsored motion at UN, not India sponsored. Why did USA sponsor the resolution?

shiro1019
on March 27, 2013, 11:00 GMT

Finally some dignitary from SLC and some authoritative power had raised his voice to intervene in to this matter. Ideal person, who has the prior experience in resolving such unethical issues individually, in the gentleman's game.Boys it is high time for u all to live up to the True Sir-Lankan spirits and boycott this season. Come on guys please show some dignity.

Narbavi
on March 27, 2013, 10:53 GMT

I dont think Ranatunga would have boycotted the tournament had he been in the lankan players shoes, pointless to make such statements after retiring a long time back!!

criclogics
on March 27, 2013, 10:52 GMT

On the contrary, show these opportunistic politicians that the show goes on in spite of their narrow-minded actions.

s2art1e
on March 27, 2013, 10:49 GMT

Totally agree with the Godfather of Sri Lankan Cricket.

A Sri Lankan boycott would really hurt the IPL and remove any little international class it has. I hope our players make a stand and let the IPL go ahead with their 2nd rate Australian and South African international players - Glenn Maxwell $1,000,000 - Do me a favour - is this how despearate the IPL is?

aashkap
on March 27, 2013, 10:44 GMT

IPL was a great brand started by BCCIi, but has never remained away from controversy..

It really is amazing how politics can intervene in sports. It really is sad that some of the most exciting T20 players will miss matches, specially in case of CSK, who play atleast 7 matches in Chennai. even for franchises, if they reach the semis / finals, they will be playing without their sri lankan players in crucial ties.

I agree with Ranatunga, that the sri lankan players should boycott the IPL 2013 and really make a statement to the BCCI.

on March 27, 2013, 10:42 GMT

Great Arjuna. This is what we need from our players who represent Srilanka. This is a golden opportunity to take our path in to right direction.

landofcricket
on March 27, 2013, 10:39 GMT

saman-silva very nice question friend,,

CricPissu
on March 27, 2013, 10:36 GMT

Read Ian Chappel's article today with regards to crappy Aus batsmen of today. This is thanks to IPL like instant noodle cricket. If you want to play good cricket skip IPL and similar craps. If you want to make quick money and not play proper cricket...then you know what to do....

TukTukVsBoomBoom
on March 27, 2013, 10:33 GMT

IPL should be named OIPL = Only Indian Premier League

on March 27, 2013, 10:33 GMT

agreed. either have no matches in Chennai or SL players should boycott IPL

Maaravarman
on March 27, 2013, 10:33 GMT

IPL don't want Srilankan Players same as Pakistan players. The loss is only for SL players if they boycott..

Kapil_Choudhary
on March 27, 2013, 10:20 GMT

If you think about it, SL and SA are the only countries (besides of course India) whereby all the top players have always played the IPL without any restrictions. Eng always has other cricket scheduled and has an uneasy relationship with the IPL, top Aus players like Clarke, Ponting and Haddin have often skipped IPL to rest/heal long-standing injuries, Pak players have been banned and franchises have in general held Bang, WI, NZ and Zim players in low regard basically signing very few players from these countries (and playing them even more rarely in the XI). I think a SL boycott would really hurt the IPL and remove a lot of its international class - while if the players play then it would be obvious that they are doing so just for money. Its not going to happen - but I definitely agree with Ranatunga that it would make a strong and well-needed statement. And I am Indian and don't have a beef with the IPL in general, I just feel that the decision made is politics at its worst.

on March 27, 2013, 10:15 GMT

I think SL players should boycott IPL. IPL had issue with pakistani players & now Sl players. It's very shameful. Politics should not interfere in cricket.

MelbourneMiracle
on March 27, 2013, 10:11 GMT

@Dr.Lakson: A big salute to you sir! Spot on with your comments. Can't agree anymore!

on March 27, 2013, 10:11 GMT

lol! So Ranatunga wants to cut the nose to spite the face? It is just politics and instead of either keeping quiet or doing something to set right the situation if he can, Ranatunga is adding fuel to the fire. Very disappointing.

MelbourneMiracle
on March 27, 2013, 10:09 GMT

@Dr.Lakson: A big salute to you sir! Spot on with your comments. Can't agree anymore!

SanjivAwesome
on March 27, 2013, 9:55 GMT

And now we wait to assess Ranatunga's influence and how highly he is respected by the SL players, as measured by their response to his recommendations.

saman_silva
on March 27, 2013, 9:55 GMT

To all those who are asking the cricketers to boycott IPL, will you resign from your job if your boss asks you to go to India? I'm sure you will happily go. Some of you will even take your family with you.

JMclain
on March 27, 2013, 9:51 GMT

First IPL had issues with Pakistani players and now SL players, come on this is really shameful day for not only BCCI but for Indian gov as well. Cricket should have been no where near politics but india is really spoiling all the fun.

But agreed with Ranatunga, SL should pull out its players.

rajithwijepura
on March 27, 2013, 9:50 GMT

Great Arjuna. This is what we need from our players who represent Srilanka. This is a golden opportunity to take our path in to right direction.

real26_03
on March 27, 2013, 9:45 GMT

Absolutely agree with Ranatunga!!

Sometimes you need to against the tide.. Sometimes You need to make a decision that would make you sound crazy but that's the best decision!!

Hanuman1206
on March 27, 2013, 9:45 GMT

Well as a Indian I would support the view Ranatunga have for boycotting the IPL. That will be great decision from the players if they follow the suits. I know it will be big loss to the players financially but they're earning a lot so they shouldn't be bothered about these much of money for the sake of country pride. If Srilankan player will not play then it will big jolt to IPL since many other star players not playing like KP, Clark etc.. I've strong feeling that srilankan players will say NO to IPL in the present situation.

Dr.Lakson
on March 27, 2013, 9:42 GMT

I respect Ranatunga for all what he has done for SL cricket. But his logic contradicts. He is saying that the sport is getting intertwined with politics due to the BCCI decision. But asking the players not take part in the IPL is also another collective political statement that would go a long way to further intertwine the game in politics. Please don't belittle the current cricketers as only concerned in Money. Please be realistic. We live in a global market economy that balances the supply and demand. Let them earn what they can while they can within certain boundaries. We elect politicians to do what we want. But we have not elected the cricketers they have come to what they are due to their abilities and loads of hard work. So we do not have a right tell them not to play the IPL!

Anubhav-the-Experience
on March 27, 2013, 9:41 GMT

I as an Indian hope that everyone boycotts IPL, I am actually sick of Cricket in any case. IPL is for me just the worst form of cricket. Just keep playing tests, not even one days if all I care.

veerakannadiga
on March 27, 2013, 9:41 GMT

I agree with Arjuna. Nothing, I repeat, Nothing, is greater (money et al.) than your country. The whole issue is because two local political parties of Tamilnadu are fighting a game of one-up-manship to gain political brownie points. Disgusting.

@COOLANKA Who are you to talk like that? What have you done for the country? If the cricketers do that, they will lose money. They can only earn money while they're playing. After that is the country going to fund them and their families?
These cricketers have brought so much pride and glory to all of us Sri Lankans. We should be proud of them and support them in every way we can.
The Cricket Board gets 10% of their fee. That is a lot of money that the Board can use to develop cricket in Sri Lanka.
It is unfortunate that cricket is being dragged into a problem created by this government. But boycotting is not the answer to the problem. We need to resolve the root cause of the problem.
I don't watch IPL. But I don't see anything wrong in them participating in IPL. I wish that all the highest bids are for the Sri Lankan players.
I don't know @COOLANKA, but I doubt very much you have done even a fraction of what they have done for our country.

Green_and_Gold
on March 27, 2013, 9:35 GMT

Perhaps all foreign players could focus on their local or national sides and bring the focus back on national pride. Being ambassadors for your country sides (both domestic and international) is whats needed to bring this sport forward. I dont mean to take away from IPL i just want to highlight that it is Indias domestic competition at the end of the day.

Sorry Arjuna but you got it wrong. Boycotting will not help to ease tensions. Playing in other venues, showing that Sri Lankan players are ready to visit India in hope of peace despite whatever goes on in Political arena, now, that will help things a lot.

on March 27, 2013, 9:23 GMT

Boycott IPL and play for BPL and CPL ....

Metro-ant
on March 27, 2013, 9:15 GMT

Well said Ranatunga. It's time a player of the current crop show pride and dignity in playing for Sri Lanka and not allow administrators to disrespect their motherland like this, though I hardly see senior players like Mahela or Spirit of Cricket lecturer Kumar Sangakkara taking a firm stance against this. Stand up for yourselves and don't let people discriminate you based on your nationality. Surely you are not going to be living on the streets if you don't get your IPL pay-cheque.

FazleAbed
on March 27, 2013, 9:13 GMT

Country, Pride is more than money. I hope Srilankan's players understand that. As they are really good players and good human beings, They will earn a lot without IPL. But if they lose their respect for IPL's pay cheque, it will be really demoralizing for the whole nation of Srilanka. Srilankan's board should not allow their players to play for IPL.

COOLANKA
on March 27, 2013, 9:11 GMT

Thanks for our great hero Arjuna: people like you is very rare these days all the players greedy for money and they don't think about their country or their nation, so if they can boycott this season that i think we can be proud as a nation, JUST DO IT BOYS...

on March 27, 2013, 9:08 GMT

M.Ranatunga that is not going to happen...SL cricket board are not able to pay their players salary in time...Everyone knows Malinga give up test cricket only because of IPL. When it comes to money playing 1 year IPL is equal to playing 5 years for srilanka.......IPL=MONEY

No featured comments at the moment.

on March 27, 2013, 9:08 GMT

M.Ranatunga that is not going to happen...SL cricket board are not able to pay their players salary in time...Everyone knows Malinga give up test cricket only because of IPL. When it comes to money playing 1 year IPL is equal to playing 5 years for srilanka.......IPL=MONEY

COOLANKA
on March 27, 2013, 9:11 GMT

Thanks for our great hero Arjuna: people like you is very rare these days all the players greedy for money and they don't think about their country or their nation, so if they can boycott this season that i think we can be proud as a nation, JUST DO IT BOYS...

FazleAbed
on March 27, 2013, 9:13 GMT

Country, Pride is more than money. I hope Srilankan's players understand that. As they are really good players and good human beings, They will earn a lot without IPL. But if they lose their respect for IPL's pay cheque, it will be really demoralizing for the whole nation of Srilanka. Srilankan's board should not allow their players to play for IPL.

Metro-ant
on March 27, 2013, 9:15 GMT

Well said Ranatunga. It's time a player of the current crop show pride and dignity in playing for Sri Lanka and not allow administrators to disrespect their motherland like this, though I hardly see senior players like Mahela or Spirit of Cricket lecturer Kumar Sangakkara taking a firm stance against this. Stand up for yourselves and don't let people discriminate you based on your nationality. Surely you are not going to be living on the streets if you don't get your IPL pay-cheque.

on March 27, 2013, 9:23 GMT

Boycott IPL and play for BPL and CPL ....

fwd079
on March 27, 2013, 9:29 GMT

Sorry Arjuna but you got it wrong. Boycotting will not help to ease tensions. Playing in other venues, showing that Sri Lankan players are ready to visit India in hope of peace despite whatever goes on in Political arena, now, that will help things a lot.

Perhaps all foreign players could focus on their local or national sides and bring the focus back on national pride. Being ambassadors for your country sides (both domestic and international) is whats needed to bring this sport forward. I dont mean to take away from IPL i just want to highlight that it is Indias domestic competition at the end of the day.

saman_silva
on March 27, 2013, 9:35 GMT

@COOLANKA Who are you to talk like that? What have you done for the country? If the cricketers do that, they will lose money. They can only earn money while they're playing. After that is the country going to fund them and their families?
These cricketers have brought so much pride and glory to all of us Sri Lankans. We should be proud of them and support them in every way we can.
The Cricket Board gets 10% of their fee. That is a lot of money that the Board can use to develop cricket in Sri Lanka.
It is unfortunate that cricket is being dragged into a problem created by this government. But boycotting is not the answer to the problem. We need to resolve the root cause of the problem.
I don't watch IPL. But I don't see anything wrong in them participating in IPL. I wish that all the highest bids are for the Sri Lankan players.
I don't know @COOLANKA, but I doubt very much you have done even a fraction of what they have done for our country.